'Hurt the most': Kelly hasn't forgot Jillaroos' NZ loss

Isabelle Kelly has described Australia's last-start loss to New Zealand as her hardest day in a Jillaroos jersey as the side targets redemption in Christchurch.

The Kiwi Ferns ambushed Australia in the final of last year's Pacific Championship to hand the top-ranked international side their first defeat in 15 games, spanning more than seven years.

The upset loss came despite Australia's win earlier in the tournament and their hot start that featured Jaime Chapman crossing for the first try after nine minutes.

"I've been in the Jillaroos jersey for a long time and that game was probably the one that hurt the most," veteran centre Kelly told AAP ahead of Sunday's rematch.

"Just the way that we let the game get away from us.

"We know that we didn't perform to the standards that we usually do. That can always be a hard lesson.

"I know those things usually help me to be a better player in the long run so I'm sure that everyone's a bit like that. We've learned so many lessons from that game."

The Jillaroos' edges will need to tighten up to avoid a repeat of last year's loss after the Kiwi Ferns scored both their tries down the left.

They could have had more points down that channel after a cover tackle, and then an obstruction call, denied fullback Apii Nicholls two would-be tries.

Annessa Biddle and Mele Hufanga have both been named to start on the edges for the Kiwi Ferns this time and are among the two most potent ball-runners in the NRLW.

Kelly his hopeful teammates can provide insights into handling the Kiwi Ferns' strike players.

Jillaroos centre Tiana Penitani plays with Biddle each week at Cronulla, while winger Julia Robinson will provide insight into Brisbane teammate Hufanga.

"The beauty of it is a lot of people come from NRLW and have played with some of these girls before, which really helps," Kelly said.

"You kind of have to do a bit of review on them to learn what their movements are and how they play. We know they've got some really strike edges, whoever plays there."

Seven of the players named to face the Kiwi Ferns on Sunday were absent from the last-start loss, but Kelly was optimistic about the team's chemistry following last week's 84-0 thrashing of PNG.

"Having that game was really good for our connection on the field as well and learning how each other play," she said.